the human race

this morning i joined runners across the world in the largest race ever. nike puts on a good event, and the human race was no exception. however, i saw some things in china that i bet you didn't see in your cities:

1. shoes of the NON-running variety. everything from converse to basketball high tops, to dunks ... you name it, they ran 6.2 miles in it.
2. jeans.
3. skirts: tiered ruffle and tennis alike.
3. couples holding hands while running.
4. umbrellas.
5. backpacks.

and this was not an anomaly. these sightings were consistent throughout the race.

despite not training ... at ALL ... it was good to be running again. it's amazing how the cross country girl in me comes out as soon as the gun signals the start. it's also slightly frightening. my self preserving mind laughs at the boys that sprint out of the gate, eager to lead the pack. inwardly, i tell them that i'll be seeing them again, and although my body has nothing on theirs, my psyche will roll them up and send them back to the starting line with the next pass. i hear my coach in my head ... "drop your shoulders ... lengthen the stride ... pick em off, one by one..."

it hurt a lot more than it used to, and just when i was cursing myself for not training and scolding my condescending and prematurely cocky mind ... i passed vans kid who had run out of steam ... and then trouser socks ... and then guy that doesn't want to get passed by a girl (who sprinted valiantly for another second before accepting his defeat).

i didn't race well. it didn't feel good. afterwards, our team looked like we escaped from the very senior citizens home. but those few small victories were all i needed ... i left with my pride in tact, and happy to know that this granny's still got (a little) game.